Fighting Despair

What is it about a person, who in spite of being wounded by some tragedy, keeps on fighting and forging ahead? What could possibly inspire someone, when against all odds, to rise up and meet their challenges head on? We all marvel at their resiliency, wondering how they manage to hang onto their sanity and keep holding onto hope. How are they able to accomplish this feat?

The only way for any of us to retain our peace of mind, is to place our trust in God. Any of us, at anytime, can experience a severe trial, so it’s easy to see how we might be crushed under the weight of sorrow. For us to be able to fight back against the debilitating effects of despair, we must begin now to develop a deep, abiding faith in God. Then when faced with a significant blow, we can stand up under the pain.

This does not mean, however, that we discount the pain that we may be going through and pretend to have it all together. This behavior can cause more damage than good, shutting down our ability to handle difficult emotions in a truthful and healthy way. If we’re going through the grief process, we must allow ourselves to go through the normal stages, not stop it as it progresses naturally. What we are able to do though, is to remember the promises that are found in the Scriptures. Promises that provide encouragement and instill a marvelous hope in our hearts. This is why study of the Bible is so important, it is a daily reminder of the great compassion that is poured out on us by our Father in heaven.

When we meditate on the Word of God, we are being bolstered by His love, by His power and by His amazing grace. We realize that nothing can truly harm us if we place our trust and faith in Him. What can mere man do to us? Nothing! We are safe and secure in His arms, cradled by the knowledge that He is always with us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God, not life, nor death nor unknown powers or principalities. We are safe and secure, protected by His plan for our lives, for all eternity.

Despair? No, for we are buoyed by the Hope of our Lord, who lifts us up and above the despair, so that we may live in victory. Take heart, for He is with you!

Scripture: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-9